Planned Parenthood of Northern New England Launches Sex Education Initiative at Burlington High School

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Burlington (VT)- Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE) is pleased to announce the launch of the Peer Education program, a new initiative aimed at improving the sexual health and knowledge of Burlington High School students and the community at large. Students at Burlington High School are invited to apply to be trained in a variety of topics related to sexual health and serve as Peer Educators in 2013.

“This training will give participants the opportunity to practice empathy with others and to gain practical experience in the field of public health and health care advocacy,” said Andrea Nicoletta, Coordinator of the Peer Educator program.

With this initiative, PPNNE fulfills a commitment to provide educational programs that effectively engage youth and enhance understanding of individual and societal implications of human sexuality. In a recent survey conducted by PPNNE, 91% of Vermont students reported that they talked about relationships, dating and/or sex and sexuality with their friends on a regular basis.

"The Peer Education Program that Planned Parenthood of Northern New England will implement at Burlington High School will be an important resource that all students can access. By providing teens with accurate reproductive and sexual health knowledge, they will be able to share this vital information with friends and classmates, making for a much safer and better informed community. I am proud to be part of this initiative," said Erin Kranichfeld, Burlington School Board Commissioner, Ward 2 and program Advisory Committee Member.

Breena Holmes, MD, Director of Maternal and Child Health at the Vermont Department of Health and Advisory Committee member said, “As a pediatrician, health educator and parent, I fully support comprehensive, accurate sexuality education for Vermont's young people. Planned Parenthood is a leader in peer education for this purpose.”

Interested students should apply by February 20, 2013. At this time, the program is limited to those who attend Burlington High School. Applications are available online at www.ppnne.org by clicking on Education & Training or by contacting Andrea Nicoletta, Peer Education Coordinator at 802.448.9726 or via email at [email protected].

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About Planned Parenthood of Northern New England: PPNNE is the largest reproductive and sexual health care provider in northern New England. In 2011, PPNNE served more than 44,000 women, men, and teens, and provided $10 million worth of free and discounted health care. www.ppnne.org